European Championships - France 2016

[DeLorean]

Even though it's not too far off what I was advocating myself, the squad does look a bit stale. Arter probably was a big miss here I think. If he was there instead of Quinn it would instantly look a bit more fresh. Not only that, but he's more likely to have an impact if a game changer is required which, no doubt, it will be. We do have a bit too much of the same thing now and, as Stutts said, a few too many guys who aren't fully at it.

To be fair to O'Neill, it's not a great surprise, he told us that the squad was going to be made up of players that got us there for the most part, bar possibly one or two. Well I guess Westwood and Duffy are the two (in terms of game time in the qualifiers at least) and both are well worth their place.

You'd have to feel a bit of sympathy for Forde but I'm delighted common sense has prevailed with regards Westwood. It would be a toss up between Given and Forde for our number three, Given has played a bit more recently but has also had bigger injury issues. It's not going to make or break us but it's kind of sad that there's a little bit of resentment towards Given now amongst the supporters. That should have never become the case but it just seems like he can't let go and, ultimately, Forde has become the fall guy. That said, Given doesn't pick himself.

I wouldn't be overly concerned by Christie's performance last night, given the nature of the game he seemed to throw caution to the wind and probably wasn't as focussed on his defensive responsibilities as he should have been. For long spells he was our only attacking outlet on the right hand side with McGeady being so out of sorts. He put in a serious shift I thought but obviously sold himself a couple of times after scampering back from offensive positions.

Irwin3 - I think it's a bit simplistic to say Gibson won the battle with Meyler last night and therefore imply that he should go to France on that basis. Firstly, there wasn't a whole pile in it but Gibson was the more proactive of the two, but isn't he always? They obviously have very different attributes and Meyler was never going to be in the reckoning for getting hold of the ball and making things happen.

I'd have had no issue with Gibson making the squad, but there's a whole host of reasons why he hasn't. As has been noted, I've definitely seen him look leaner, he's played very little football this season, he didn't bother trying for a loan move in January and he hadn't played for us in a year and a half before last night, admittedly due to injuries mainly. His off the field issues probably haven't helped him either, certainly at club level.

Added to that, if this 'one for all, all for one' attitude it so important, he's hardly ticked that box in the past either. We all have our favourites and I know you're a massive fan of his but it's hard to have too much sympathy for him really. All things being equal though, he probably is a better player than Meyler I'd agree, and Quinn too.

O'Dowda's introduction was a real treat last night, it was exactly the impact I was hoping he might have. Going by the comments around me, the majority of the crowd hadn't even heard of him, yet there was a buzz from the third or fourth time he received possession, given how immediate his impact was. Sure, it would probably have been a hard sell for him to make the plane, but I think we could have done with an exciting option like that to give everybody a lift if he was introduced as an impact sub. I see he's been asked to stick around to train with the squad (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/euro-2016/euro-2016-teams/republic-of-ireland/callum-odowda-to-remain-with-squad-despite-missing-out-on-place-at-euro-2016-34764286.html) for a few days, I think O'Neill is managing this situation brilliantly, and I don't say that with any consideration for O'Dowda's dual nationality status.

I think Daryl Murphy has taken enough stick without me adding to it so I'll just try to find a positive. He actually can't be as poor as he's looked at times for us. You simply don't score 30 goals in the Championship by fluke. I wouldn't have selected him but he's there now so hopefully he can find a bit of confidence from somewhere and at least become a bit of a handful if required in France.

Maybe like Irwin3 (if he doesn't mind me saying), McGeady would always have been one of my favourites so it's sad to see him looking so short of confidence. Even at his most frustrating in years gone by it wouldn't show in his body language that much, but I suppose the season he's had would take it's toll on anybody. I was really hoping something would come off for him last night just to paper over the gaping holes in his performance a little. I'd like to see him go back to Celtic where at least he'll be appreciated by his own supporters, and rebuild what's left of his career from there. That's if they'd have any interest of course.

[Closed Account]

Long (49th) and Brady (50th) have done well on the UEFA player index of how the 552 players involved have played since January. No other Irish in top 100.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/players/index.html

Sweden (1) : Ibrahimovic (2nd)
Italy (8): Barzagli (39th), Bonucci (41st), El Shaarawy (42nd), Florenzi (58th), Buffon (60th), Parolo (66th), Candreva (74th), Pelle (98th)
Belgium (6): De Bruyne (47th), Mertens (54th), Alderweireld (68th), Mignolet (73rd), Hazard (82nd), Nainggolan (97th)

Goalkeepers: Westwood (25/66), Randolph (42/66), Given (56/66) (why did they only rank 66 and not 72?)
Full Backs: Brady (9/82), Christie (22/82), Coleman (26/82), Ward (28/82)
Central Defenders: Duffy (14/96), Clark (24/96), Keogh (32/96), O'Shea (75/96)
Defensive Midfielders: We don't have any according to UEFA (0/48)
Central Midfielders: McCarthy (18/56), Whelan (19/56), Quinn (35/56), Meyler (50/56)
Attacking Midfielders: Hoolahan (24/40)
Wingers: Walters (25/67), McClean (28/67), McGeady (67/67)
Forwards: Long (10/85), Keane (29/85), Murphy (62/85)

Hendrick fails to get a rating.., they've somehow missed 12 players.

Uefa Irish team based on ratings:
Westwood;
Christie, Duffy, Clark, Brady;
Whelan;
Walters, McCarthy, Hoolahan, McClean;
Long.

[AlanOB]

Jesus, where do you start with that Guardian "profile"? 4-2-3-1 formation? Wilson? Awful.

Tactical analysis on last night's defeat here (http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/belarus-blunder-a-tactical-lesson-for-ireland/1f2j5kq415gvl1cklcqqm8270e), by the way, if anyone's interested.

[Stuttgart88]

Agree with virtually everything the Cranberries singer says above.

I think Quinn wasn't as effective as Arter in the Aviva but he has a bit of bite to him that Meyler doesn't have, the snapping at ankles thing. That's what I liked about Arter. Busy, industrious, even if he'd be a walking yellow card at a tournament.

The squad does look stale and apart from Coleman, McClean and Long it's a squad that lacks real pace too. That's why several weeks ago I nailed my colours to Pilkington's mast. It's lacking a bit of bite in the middle too, or at least it feels a bit that way after last night. McClean has perhaps too much bite. I hope he keeps things sensible.

I hope Gibson hangs around and gets sorted out. Even if he missed some notes last night he still looks to have a bit of class about him.

[paul_oshea]

I love the way AOB does this, dismisses anything out of hand to do some self promotion :D Previous.

[paul_oshea]

I think its the players in the formation as much as anything Stutts. I've said it before, you can't make these mass changes or bring in one or two lads you'd like to see with a raft of other players you wouldn't mind seeing. It just doesn't work, sometimes you're just over-egging the formation, or in this case undermining it based on the personnel.

I think the big difference with this squad and the 2012 squad, personnel wise I mean, that should make a big difference, is our pace. We were severly lacking of pace in the last one, but in this in our first 11 v our first 11 2012, we have serious pace. That's what gives us chances, and also sets up set pieces from which we can convert, and need to convert.

Outside of that pace we are very bad, just don't look as fragile defensively(although that team also had a decent defensive record heading into the tournament but injuries and age and weary legs in a horribly failing/failed system had finally caught up with them)

I think Hoolahan and Long will start against Sweden and Italy, Long likely to make a sub apperance against Belgium, and Hoolahan to come back in for the Italy game. I feel robbie can only make an impact one of the games, and maybe Italy might be where that happens, but he probably will only get sometime in 1 game. I think he will target the Italy and Sweden games first and foremost, and play a horrid defensive game against belgium.

[AlanOB]

I love the way AOB does this, dismisses anything out of hand to do some self promotion :D Previous.

;)

I'm a sly old viper, me.

It's the age old pretty-ish girl with the massive best friend tactic. :cool:

[Stuttgart88]

Yep that's why I'm not beating up on Christie, for example.

I think Long would do well against Belgium if they are missing their best defenders. I'd start him in all 3 probably, unless O'Neill uses Murphy or Walters for 50 mins to unleash Long on a tiring defence. I'd say this approach is most likely to work against Italy.

[Stuttgart88]

One thing that struck me last night was how unable Murphy was to hold up any forward balls in the last third. Any good work done by midfield - and there was some - was rendered futile.

Given MON's comment recently about the importance of hold up play it shows how lucky Murphy is.

[tetsujin1979]

Sky have released a predictor wallchart: http://sky.thesportspredictor.com/football/euros/wallchart
Ireland to go out in the second round to Spain

[Closed Account]

Sky have released a predictor wallchart: http://sky.thesportspredictor.com/football/euros/wallchart
Ireland to go out in the second round to SpainStrange, looks different to me: http://sky.thesportspredictor.com/football/euros/wallchart/share/1954/Ireland

[tetsujin1979]

Strange, looks different to me: http://sky.thesportspredictor.com/football/euros/wallchart/share/1954/Ireland

that gives a blank wallchart for me? share mightn't be working right yet

[Stuttgart88]

Yep that's what I got yesterday.

[DeLorean]

Sky have released a predictor wallchart: http://sky.thesportspredictor.com/football/euros/wallchart
Ireland to go out in the second round to Spain

Interesting. I got an email of an excel page the other day, where you can predict or just write in the actual results and it updates points and stuff for you. I just randomly threw in fairly realistic results. I wasn't overly kind to ourselves, only giving us two draws against Sweden and Italy and losing to Belgium. We still made it through as the fourth best 3rd placed team, having finished ahead of Sweden on goals scored in our group. Coincidentally (or maybe not so much) we were also paired against Spain in the last 16. It just showed how achievable qualification from the group actually is and how beating Sweden in the opening game could nearly do it by itself alright. Obviously they'll be thinking the same.

[EAFC_rdfl]

Never mind skysports, you can get a predictor spreadsheet from one of our own clubs here:
http://www.finnharps.com/fhfc/?p=3119

Harps are running a great prediction competition, have done so for the last number of tournaments. The spreadsheet is on that page above and is easy to use, and updates tables & the next round of games as you fill it in.

Sure why not stick in an entry while at it, it's only a tenner :-)

[Irwin3]

Irwin3 - I think it's a bit simplistic to say Gibson won the battle with Meyler last night and therefore imply that he should go to France on that basis. Firstly, there wasn't a whole pile in it but Gibson was the more proactive of the two, but isn't he always? They obviously have very different attributes and Meyler was never going to be in the reckoning for getting hold of the ball and making things happen.

I'd have had no issue with Gibson making the squad, but there's a whole host of reasons why he hasn't. As has been noted, I've definitely seen him look leaner, he's played very little football this season, he didn't bother trying for a loan move in January and he hadn't played for us in a year and a half before last night, admittedly due to injuries mainly. His off the field issues probably haven't helped him either, certainly at club level.

Added to that, if this 'one for all, all for one' attitude it so important, he's hardly ticked that box in the past either. We all have our favourites and I know you're a massive fan of his but it's hard to have too much sympathy for him really. All things being equal though, he probably is a better player than Meyler I'd agree, and Quinn too.

True, Gibson is a favourite of mine and in reality two months ago I didn't think there was a chance in hell that he would be anywhere near the squad. It's the hope that kills!

Like I mentioned it's not just based on last night. I think that last night might have swayed it in Gibson's favour (something different, giving it a go), however I think Roy said that even if he scored a hat-trick he wasn't going to make it and the decision had been made.

I still find this hard to understand on the past evidence that I've seen. Go back to that Scotland game in November 2014. Gibson like now hadn't had much football then and was given the nod over Meyler. Like I said, Meyler has never started a competitive game in midfield. Gibson had 3 appearances (186 minutes) in the qualifiers and 5 unused sub. Meyler had 4 appearances (202 minutes) and 5 unused sub. 2 of Meyler's appearances (180 mins) were at RB including a fine performance in Germany. Since we have 2 RB and 2 CB who can play RB I don't see Meyler playing here during the Euros (he may not even play at all). Maybe a case could have been made to have Meyler over Christie and take 7 defenders.

I just don't really see any concrete Meyler plusses in this 1 v 1 (Heck, in reality maybe it was Gibson vs. Quinn or something else entirely for the last spot, O'Kane vs. Meyler). Versatility is a plus for Meyler but since it is unlikely to be needed, it cancels itself out for me. Even recent fitness is hardly overwhelmingly in his favour.

I don't think it's proven that Gibson had any choice in moving at all. It's possible but it's not what was said at the time. If Everton decided they needed to keep Gibson then there was nothing he could do. Besic got an injury near the end of January and the line at the time from the local press was that Gibson was being kept. Maybe O'Neill has other information that has affected his decision but we don't know for sure if there was even an option to go on loan. Game time in general has almost certainly come into it though.

Again the attitude thing is largely vague and speculative. I didn't see much wrong with the euro 2012 episode but I know others did. However, I don't think O'Neill would be calling up someone to play in these last two games if they had an attitude problem. Now whether personality came into sizing up the players in the manager's final decision, it's possible but we don't really know anything about that at all.

Apart from Wilson, Gibson and Forde were the only players to start a qualifier to miss out. Someone had to and lack of game time is the biggest reason that has cost both. Gibson has appeared in 5 qualifying campaigns with no finals appearance. It would be interesting to see who else since the Charlton days had such a record. Given his injury record, I wouldn't be surprised if his new club (if he gets one!) leaned on him to pack in the international game. And the sad truth is that we wouldn't miss him much at all.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. That's enough time on this post squad selection autopsy for me. Hopefully the lads can give it their all in France and make us proud.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Roy Keane's comments today were justifiable enough, but had me once again fearful that he/the media or some combination of the two are going to get some stupid controversy going over in France. All it'll take is some off the cuff criticism and it'll be laid on thick in headlines like a squad meltdown is occurring.

[DeLorean]

I thought his dig at McGeady was a bit unnecessary, the "story of his career" bit. Maybe McGeady needs to hear that in private but I don't think it's very helpful to borderline humiliate him in public. I think the guy has been through enough this season. Good management is about knowing when to put an arm around and guy and when to kick him up the hole. I think McGeady is probably in a fragile enough state confidence wise right now without adding to it. To be fair to Keane he did give him some little bit of praise also but undid his good work with that throwaway remark, even if it is bang on!

I don't mind the criticism of the players collectively so much, but it's not nice when it's personalised. I know he was asked directly about McGeady, but there were a million better ways to answer it I think.

[tricky_colour]

Why didn't MON just name Arter in the 23 and if not fit on time to then call up Quinn/Meyler instead of the other way around.

Exactly, he shuold have been guaranteed a place, instead he was busting gut trying to secure a a place and ended up crocked.

No wonder nobody was making much effort in the second match.

Why is it players seem to get injured more in training and uncompetitive matches?

[tricky_colour]

I thought his dig at McGeady was a bit unnecessary, the "story of his career" bit. Maybe McGeady needs to hear that in private but I don't think it's very helpful to borderline humiliate him in public. I think the guy has been through enough this season. Good management is about knowing when to put an arm around and guy and when to kick him up the hole. I think McGeady is probably in a fragile enough state confidence wise right now without adding to it. To be fair to Keane he did give him some little bit of praise also but undid his good work with that throwaway remark, even if it is bang on!

I don't mind the criticism of the players collectively so much, but it's not nice when it's personalised. I know he was asked directly about McGeady, but there were a million better ways to answer it I think.


Yea didn't sound too clever to me, even if it is at least partially true, however I was not too impressed with McGeady on the night, and some
times he flatters to deceive. Not sure how McGeady will see it, but whatever the case he should be seeking to do better.

I guess all the players are well aware of what Keane is like so hopefully he will not be too offended by it.

Let's face it there are not too many people Roy has not slagged off in his career so he is in a pretty big club,
pretty much everyone bar Eric Cantona. :)

[backstothewall]

In fairness Martin tried the arm around the shoulder approach 6 months ago and it didn't work.

Kick up the hole approach correctly applied for me.

[paul_oshea]

Look McGeady has rarely delivered for us, and im sure its always been a case of behind closed doors giving him a kick, this might be exactly what he needs, along with the arm around him. McGeady is a sulker, sulkers need a bit of public humiliation to get over themselves. I think it will work well for McGeady to be honest. O'Neill will put the arm around him and know how to help him privately. Publicly he has deserved this for quite a while.

Keane did come out today saying he was joking with some of the remarks, so perhaps Martin had a slight word. I still think what Keane said was pretty much bang on, but you have to give McGeady credit for going to Russia - I don't think keane was at this, I think keane just meant he hasn't delivered on his potential. Again its constructive criticism, reverse pyschology when all the other pyschology up until now has not worked.

Just Read B2Walsalls comment above! Bang on what i was saying, in far fewers words :D

[DeLorean]

There might be something in that in fairness, okay, I'm converted.

[paul_oshea]

Do you agree that people who sulk, usually want personal attention, think of the baby in the corner, its a similar approach, they want to be mollycoddled, they need to get over themselves and be made aware of this. I'd happily argue that nothing much has worked for McGeady up until now and this could well be worth a try. If he goes into training thinking "how dare he do taht to me in public, ill show him" then thats exactly what Keane will want. If he sulks and doesn't get better? Keane was right, and we don;t notice any difference. I think its a win win - it can't get any worse than it already is, McGeadys performance was atrocious(save 10=15 mins spell in the second half when he at least tried).

[Deckydee]

So, a couple of reports from the Belgian press to catch up on. This is the first:

http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/voetbal/Euro2016/2.4765/1.2672097 - Basically they say that the international press thinks they have gone back 10 years in how the play 'When we could not be Kazakhstan' Ok, so a good defense can keep them quiet....

http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/16076/De-Rode-Duivels/article/detail/2722115/2016/06/02/De-verdediging-wordt-op-het-EK-sowieso-een-zorgenkind.dhtml - This means 'Defense is going to be a serious problem' (literally means a 'problem child') Some points about the article: Our midfield never came out of own own half - Fellaini takes nobody on, he his not able to handle them technically (However if hoofball is played against him, he should be able to deal with it) - De Bruyne showed he has indeed class but not enough - Defence simply not good enough and is a huge worry

[DeLorean]

Who's actually going to win this thing? Germany are showing no major signs of breaking free from their WC hangover. Italy look to have one of their weakest squads in living memory. Spain probably still the best bet in terms of talent but a long way off their peak of four years ago. France will hardly do it without their first choice centre backs and Benzema. It's a good opportunity for potential dark horses like Portugal, Austria or even England to do something. I'd probably give my vote to Spain though, the World Cup will have hurt them and they've freshened up their squad.

[pineapple stu]

England worry me to be honest.

Suspect defensively maybe, but better going forward than I ever remember them. The issue of how to fit both Lampard and Gerrard is gone too.

[jbyrne]

spain for me or maybe home advantage to count for France.

[Fixer82]

I fancy England to do well. They've new blood in there in Kane and Vardy, Ali Daei et al. who have no sense of entitlement to their place in the starting 11 and, much like the Dublin team now, nobody is guaranteed their starting place (except Rooney maybe). This makes for positive strong competition for places and they seem to be a fairly together squad. Think they're at 4/1 to win it last I saw. Not a bad bet.

[Lionel Ritchie]

I never bet against Italy. They turn up in their mid 30's, playing in the MLS, out of shape, out of form, racked with internal dissention and a bumbling buffoon for a manager and next thing you know they've just knocked Germany out on penalties in the semi and are shrugging at each other like it's no big deal and stating they'll be back on sunday to collect their trophy and when told they've France or Spain to see off first they make a note to purchase them a packet of hankies.

[DeLorean]

I never bet against Italy. They turn up in their mid 30's, playing in the MLS, out of shape, out of form, racked with internal dissention and a bumbling buffoon for a manager and next thing you know they've just knocked Germany out on penalties in the semi and are shrugging at each other like it's no big deal and stating they'll be back on sunday to collect their trophy and when told they've France or Spain to see off first they make a note to purchase them a packet of hankies.

Is that the same Spain that tanked them 4-0 last time?

I agree with your point overall though, but they've had some disastrous campaigns over the past decade as well.

[tetsujin1979]

France are a bit of a dark horse for me, lot of shades of the world cup win in 98 - home advantage, poor recent results in tournaments, some of their top talent excluded from the squad.

[DeLorean]

You could hardly call them 'dark horses' though really. They're favourites in the bookies!

And they had a fairly decent World Cup.

[tetsujin1979]

You could hardly call them 'dark horses' though really. They're favourites in the bookies!

And they had a fairly decent World Cup.
are they? genuinely haven't seen any odds so far. Thought the usual suspects would be favourites - Germany or Spain

[DeLorean]

Yeah 3/1, Germany 4/1, Spain 11/2 and England next at 8/1. (according to PP).

[DannyInvincible]

Walters sat out training today after getting a knock, but it's not thought to be serious: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36436532

McCarthy is back in full training though.


Key forward Jon Walters is the latest injury concern for the Republic of Ireland ahead of Euro 2016 after taking a bang to his calf.

Stoke City's Walters, 32, was unable to train with his Republic team-mates on Thursday morning as he instead worked with the medical staff.

The initial indications were that the knock was not serious.

However, it's a further issue for boss Martin O'Neill given the injuries to James McCarthy and Robbie Keane.

On the plus side, Everton midfielder McCarthy was able to take part in training for the first time since the squad got together 10 days ago.

McCarthy, who has been bothered by a thigh injury, worked alone after completing the warm-up ahead of Wednesday morning's session, but stayed with the rest of the squad on Thursday as he stepped up his recovery.

Robbie says he'll be definitely ready for the Belgium game, but isn't a certainty for Sweden.


Squad skipper Keane was out on the pitch, although only as an observer with the 35-year-old striker unlikely to resume training until the middle of next week at the earliest because of a calf problem which required an injection.

Keane accepts that he faces a battle to be available for the Group E opener against Sweden in Paris on 13 June but is certain he will be fit for the second game against Belgium five days later.

"Luckily for me, it's not as bad as I first thought," Keane told FAI TV YouTube.

"They are saying a couple of weeks which would maybe get me (fit) for the Sweden game or maybe missing that one.

"But I'll definitely be ready for the second game."

[DeLorean]

Big Jon up to his old tricks. Probably enjoying a Cornetto up in the visitor centre while the lads slog it out.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I'd certainly back the French this time. Beaten by eventual champions in 2014, and only 1-0 in the QF's, they could easily have accounted for such a shoddy Brazil team and then who knows against Argentina? A few years to improve, home field advantage, handy enough group stage. If they can make do without Benzema, they have a serious shot.

[Stuttgart88]

There are some seriously good players left out of their squads. Imagine leaving out Benzema?

Despite Spain's strength I couldn't believe Bellerin was only a late replacement.

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone see that Bruno Alves tackle in the England v Portugal friendly? Crazy stuff.

[DeLorean]

No, just saw he got a straight red... must have been bad to get a red in a friendly. Who'd he take out?

[pineapple stu]

Worse than McAteer I think -

GxR7MoVHXCg

The Portuguese players blocking the ref's way should have been booked too.

[DeLorean]

Jesus... Kane took it like a beast.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Big Jon up to his old tricks. Probably enjoying a Cornetto up in the visitor centre while the lads slog it out.

Getting boring at this stage.

[paul_oshea]

Stutts loves asking if we watched England. Any opportunity to mention he watched England, sorry to excuse himself.

[Stuttgart88]

I'm in a hotel room in north Eales on a short break. I can watch what I want! I barely saw any of the game as it happens, I was on foot.ie.

[tricky_colour]

In fairness Martin tried the arm around the shoulder approach 6 months ago and it didn't work.

Kick up the hole approach correctly applied for me.

To be fair to McGeady he did put in a good cross which Murphy should have put away, if he had McGeady would have got
more praise.

[tricky_colour]

I fancy England to do well. They've new blood in there in Kane and Vardy, Ali Daei et al. who have no sense of entitlement to their place in the starting 11 and, much like the Dublin team now, nobody is guaranteed their starting place (except Rooney maybe). This makes for positive strong competition for places and they seem to be a fairly together squad. Think they're at 4/1 to win it last I saw. Not a bad bet.

They are 8-1 or 9-1, I backed them at 9-1 EW a while back, I thought I was getting value for money. Would prefer if Danny Drinkwater was going for the Leicester effect.

I also backed Belgium at 11-1, can't remember why.

And finally I backed Ireland at 150-1 EW, I don't think I am getting very good value there though, 5,000-1 would be fairer!!

Just realised I am backing against myself somewhat with Belgium, although in reality I am probably not if you see what I mean!! However I wish I had not put it on now!

[Fixer82]

They are 8-1 or 9-1, I backed them at 9-1 EW a while back, I thought I was getting value for money. Would prefer if Danny Drinkwater was going for the Leicester effect.

I also backed Belgium at 11-1, can't remember why.

And finally I backed Ireland at 150-1 EW, I don't think I am getting very good value there though, 5,000-1 would be fairer!!

Just realised I am backing against myself somewhat with Belgium, although in reality I am probably not if you see what I mean!! However I wish I had not put it on now!

I stand corrected. I backed Ireland at 125/1. Odds must have increased. Still, it'll be sweet when that €12.50 comes rolling into my bank account baby!!!!

[tricky_colour]

I stand corrected. I backed Ireland at 125/1. Odds must have increased. Still, it'll be sweet when that €12.50 comes rolling into my bank account baby!!!!


Depend where you backed them, you can get odds of 150-1 125-1 and 100-1 at the moment I have two accounts and an exchange account for
match betting I normal do the best odd on the standard accounts as the exchange minimum bet is £2. I could sometimes get better odds elsewhere
but it is not worth the trouble of managing another account.

Anyway whether it is 125 or 150 is somewhat immaterial as it is highly unlikely you will get anything back, even as a supporter
I find it difficult to make any case for Ireland, I have been more optimistic in the past, however having said that we have beat Germany
recently, so who knows.

The real problem for Ireland seems to be the small teams such as Belarus. We normally do better against the bigger
sides, at least in qualification anyway, I will have to erase any memory of our last European adventure though!